Sunday 28 December 2025
"Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." (v. 13)
Background
This is a harrowing passage, marked by violence and grief, and stands in stark contrast to the joyful visit of the Magi (the Wise Men) that comes just before. The beauty of epiphany light is suddenly shadowed by human cruelty and fear.
This text introduces a major theme in Matthew’s Gospel: Jesus as the new Moses, sent to deliver God’s people. Just as Moses narrowly escaped death as an infant (Exodus 2), so too does Jesus; he's rescued from Herod’s rage by divine intervention. Both are threatened by powerful rulers, both make a dramatic escape, and both find temporary refuge in Egypt – the very place that once represented slavery.
This theme continues in later chapters as Jesus passes through water (his baptism), enters the wilderness, and ascends a mountain to teach; all echoes of the Exodus narrative.
If children are indeed a gift from God, they are gifts in their most fragile form. This passage reminds us not only of the vulnerability of infants, but of the fundamental truth that all human beings are fragile – if not physically, then emotionally, spiritually or socially.
Recognising our shared vulnerability invites us to live with compassion and care for one another. We are called to handle each other gently, honouring the sacredness of every life, especially in a world where, too often, power is used to harm rather than protect.
To Ponder:
- How can we become gifts of protection, healing or safety for others today?
- In what ways can we challenge harmful uses of power and honour the God-given gift of every life?
Prayer
God of compassion, in a world where power can harm, teach us to protect and care for one another. Help us to honour the sacredness of every life and to work for justice and peace. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Andy Fishburne
Andy is a Discipleship and Faith Formation Officer for the Methodist Church in Britain. He works to support individuals and communities in deepening their life of faith and discipleship, helping people explore what it means to live a Methodist Way of Life. His role includes developing resources and encouraging creative approaches to faith formation across the Connexion.